Palat, 6-foot, 174-pounds, attended his first Lightning training camp this season. He was assigned to the Norfolk Admirals on September 25. Palat did not appear in any preseason games.

A native of Frydek-Mistek, Czech Republic, Palat played in 61 games with the Drummondville Voltigeurs of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League last season. He registered 39 goals and 96 points, ranking him tied for fourth in the league in scoring. Palat led the Voltigeurs in goals, power play goals (15) and was tied for the team lead in points.

He was drafted by the Lightning in the seventh round, 208th overall, of the 2011 NHL Entry Draft.